INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE: Halloween in Downtown Hillsboro

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Events are a reason for the public to explore a new place and we expect Halloween to draw from the entire Metro area. A fun and festive event sparks curiosity in the public and they're more likely to return to spend time as a result. Hillsboro Downtown Partnership encourages downtown businesses to join to the festive environment. We hope you will participate. Please contact Outreach Coordinator Sophie Contreras if you feel there may be barriers to your participation. Sophie@downtownhillsboro.org or 503-583-4050.

Trick-or-treating in Downtown Hillsboro has been a tradition for more than 30 years - where children in costumes visit businesses to gather candy and toys. There will be some entertainment and passive activities throughout the route, but people really come for the treats!

WHEN: Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm.

WHY: Halloween in Downtown Hillsboro is the only Downtown event that is designed specifically for children and is a gift to the families in our community from the businesses in Downtown Hillsboro. It is good public relations and businesses do not expect an immediate impact on sales.

WHO IT’S BY: The event is being coordinated by Hillsboro Downtown Partnership but relies on businesses to participate.

WHO IT’S FOR: Children and families in our community.

WHERE IT’S HAPPENING: We have chosen a simple route in the retail core to help us monitor activities and emphasize safety. The heart of the event is at the intersection of 3rd and Main. It will extend on Main from 2nd to 4th and on 3rd from Lincoln to Washington.

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE:

1. Businesses on the footprint: If you are a first-floor business along the route, we would love for you to hand out treats and decorate or dress up as you see fit. If you are not on the first-floor and would like to participate, Hillsboro Downtown Partnership is assisting businesses to secure a spot within the footprint.
   
2. Businesses NOT on the footprint: If your business is not on the route, but you’d like to participate by handing out candy, Hillsboro Downtown Partnership is assisting businesses to secure a spot within the footprint.
3. Donate candy: Whether you are participating or not, you are welcome to donate candy to the event to make everyone’s experience sweeter. Hillsboro Downtown Partnership is now accepting sealed, bulk bags of candy in original packaging.
   
4. Sponsor the event: Help Halloween in Downtown Hillsboro go further through sponsorship opportunities. 

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM HILLSBORO DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP:

• Promotion of the event to all the elementary schools in Hillsboro.
• Recruitment and direction of volunteers to monitor the crosswalks, help hand out treats, and other roles as needed.
• Management of street closure.
• Distribution of treats between the businesses handing out and those donating.
• Listing of every participating business on our event webpage as an event partner.
• A donation acknowledgement letter for the treats, decorations and costumes that businesses purchase for tax deduction purposes. 

HOW TO SIGN UP:  

If you would like to participate, donate candy or sponsor please complete this form here.

Got questions? Need more information? Please contact Outreach Coordinator Sophie Contreras Sophie@DowntownHillsboro.org or 503-583-4050. 

**Please contact Sophie by October 21 if you want to participate. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: Will the streets be closed?

A: We will be closing the streets to vehicle traffic on Main (from 4th to 2nd) and 3rd from Lincoln to Washington. The barricades will go up at 2:30 pm and come down at 6:30pm.

Q: How many trick-or-treaters should we expect?

A: In the past, we have had as many as 1500 trick-or-treaters. 

Q: How much do businesses need to spend?

A: Depending on the treat you decide to give out, it could cost $100-$1000. 

Q: What if we are in the route footprint and can’t afford to spend that much on treats?

A: Please let us know as soon as possible, and we will find a business that is not along the route to contribute to your treats. Please note that Hillsboro Downtown Partnership is soliciting candy donations to supplement.

Q: What if we can’t schedule or spare a staff member to hand out treats?

A: Let us know and we will find a volunteer to hand out treats at your business.

Q: Should we hand out treats inside or outside our business?

A: This is entirely up to you. If your business does not allow youth or is adult-focused, you will need to stay out front. Most businesses prefer to hand out treats in the doorway of their store or just off to the side of the door in front of the store. 

Q: What if restrooms are needed by participants?

A: Hillsboro Downtown Partnership will work with the City to keep the restrooms at the Civic Center open.  

 

Q: What if there is an emergency during the event? 

A: Please call 911 and report the emergency immediately. After the call to 911, please communicate the incident by calling EJ on her mobile phone at 503-341-8639. Originally posted by Hillsboro Downtown Partnership via Locable